Author Emily Renk Hawthorne: Fantasy, Folklore & Belonging

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Toast to the Arts” Podcast features debut author Emily Renk Hawthorne who discusses her breathtaking fantasy series "Of Mountains and Seas," inspired by Chinese mythology, folklore, and her Taiwanese heritage. Set in a hidden shapeshifting community along the Northern California coast, "Of Mountains and Seas" explores themes of power, belonging, conformity, generational trauma, and identity through multiple timelines and points of view. Emily shares the creative inspiration behind her multigenerational fantasy world, the importance of authentic cultural representation in storytelling, and how mythology and folklore continue to shape modern fantasy literature. The conversation also dives into Emily’s writing journey, character development, diversity in fantasy fiction, and the emotional truths that fantasy can reveal about the human experience. Perfect for fans of Sue Lynn Tan, Axie Oh, and Chloe Gong, this richly layered fantasy series blends magic, mythology, and social commentary into a compelling literary adventure. Learn more about Emily Renk Hawthorne and her work: https://www.emilyrenkhawthorne.com/